Timing too far advanced

[Ryegrass]

About a month and a half ago, I had the timing belt replaced on my 2000 Honda Civic LX. When I got the car back the engine was loud, but drove OK so I asked the shop if they checked the base timing, but they said that since the timing was computer controlled there was no need. Anyway, last week I bought an inductance type timing light (my older spring model wouldn't fit the Civic), jumpered out the ECU and saw that the base timing was at 21˚ btdc instead of the 16˚ btdc that it should be. I reset the timing and the car drives much better now.
Since the timing was so far advanced, was my engine damaged in any way during the month I drove it like this, or did the computer and knock sensor prevent this by retarding the timing.

Thanks, Randy

 

[RonJ]

The engine should be fine. The mechanic you paid money is what you should be worried about. What other problems will you eventually discover due to his incompetency?

 

[Ryegrass]

Thank you very much for the information, and the quick reply. Sadly in the 60 years I been here in Tucson, this is one of the more competent shops.

 

[RonJ]

Sadly in the 60 years I been here in Tucson, this is one of the more competent shops.